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 There was a sea of Red Hot Chili Peppers fans at the Saddledome last night. Singer Anthony Kiedis and the California boys rocked the 'Dome. (JACK CUSANO, Sun Media) |
CALGARY - There's something almost mystical about the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
It's as if over the years they've created their own little universe. One where only the Chili Peppers matter and those lucky enough to catch a glimpse at its splendour -- even if it's just for a night -- are forever changed.
And it was that universe which was on display last night at the Saddledome, as L.A.'s Red Hot Chili Peppers played to a sold-out crowd on a cold, blustery evening.
It was a world where funk and soul were fused as one. Where flash and flavour were woven perfectly with talent and precision.
A world where young and old congregated to pay their respects and say 'Thanks for making music that inspires people.'
A world where only the Chili Peppers mattered.
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Bass player Flea, drummer Chad Smith and guitar player John Frusciante took the stage with a silent, confident swagger as the lights went down.
The three opened with a funk groove that said, in no uncertain terms: "We're the Red Hot Chili Peppers, so you'd better stand up and pay attention."
Frontman Anthony Kiedis joined them shortly after to an explosion of sound from the crowd that was sure to wake the 'early-to-beds' at the seniors' centre in Airdrie.
Breaking into Can't Stop, from 2002's By The Way, the Chili Peppers wasted no time reminding everyone why they -- and they alone --are the perennial funk-fathers from California.
Nobody does soul-filled grooves mixed with high-energy rock better than these guys.
Kiedis, wearing black shorts, a black vest, sleeveless shirt and fingerless gloves, made ample use of the stage, stomping and bouncing from one end to the other, as Flea flexed and contorted like no human being should ever be able to do.
Despite the back-breaking posture, Flea laid waste to any doubters of him being the consummate and likely most influential bass player of his generation.
From slapstick funk to powerhouse punk, this guy was up on stage doing exactly what he was born to do: Bring the funk.
As was Frusciante, who despite offering blazing, funk/rock solos in almost every song, never seemed to hog the spotlight or overstay his welcome.
Smith was steady as ever, offering the backbone of the soul grooves with both unique style and steady flavour.
Playing through such classic hits as Blood Sugar Sex Magik and Me and My Friends as they mixed in the more recent fare, such as Dani California and Charlie, the Chili Peppers not only showed they still got it, they showed they still love what they do.
And love seemed to be the theme of the night, as lights and screens that streamed not only behind them, but above as well, lit the 'Dome in almost every colour of the rainbow.
For those out there wondering what a rock concert should look like, last night's offering was a textbook example.
Take a band that has a back catalogue of songs that span generations of hits (as witnessed by one of the most varied audiences seen at a rock concert in some time), you throw in spectacular lighting and a crowd salivating for more, and there you have it.
Simple as that.
If you missed it, don't miss them next time.
The next time you'll see the 'Dome that lit up, there will likely be a playoff run in the midst.
Opening act The Mars Volta, from L.A., was a band that truly need to be seen to be forgotten.
After plowing through an excruciating opening number, which lasted for at least 15 long, ear-splitting minutes, the band actually showed promise.
With vocals that harken to Robert Plant and hooks that steam with potential, these guys could do well to pull in the reins a bit. A little less prog and a little more rock could be just what the doctor ordered to turn this bunch of noise into a killer act.